Monday, December 30, 2013

Tormenter – Phantom Time

It’s been 3 years since we last heard from Tormenter, as
they released their debut full-length, “Pulse of Terror”, in 2010. This time
the band is back with an EP that will again continue to impress fans of thrash,
and certainly the fans of anything released on their label, EBM Records. “Phantom
Time” kicks off with the perfect opening interlude, which is highlighted by
shredding guitars over top of a relatively tame backing track. The true
thrashing begins with “Manifest Supremacy”, and it does an incredible job of
catching your attention. Perhaps most surprising is that the best riffs are
left until the middle of the song, where Tormenter unleashes hellacious brutal
down-picked riffs that quickly double up in speed to become tremolo-picked.

For those unfamiliar with Tormenter, they’re a pretty
standard thrash act. The guitar tone is among the stronger out there for newer
thrash bands, and the vocals are primarily shouted. The singer definitely has
the ability to go a bit harsher than a standard thrash yell (there is
certainly some German influence in his vocals). Musically, the band rarely
slows down, and if they do, it is to unchain a riff that is sure to cause some
devastation. Surprisingly the solos can straddle the line between more
technically accomplished bands, and the Kreator style of wailing. On “Parasital Exposure”,
there is a guitar solo that is definitely more advanced in technique; however,
it doesn’t sound like the guitarist is entirely in key the whole time,
which definitely gives off that looser feel that Kreator and others have. The following
track shows even more virtuosity, but once again has a few notes that may seem
a bit astray. Another thrash standard, the gang vocal, does occur on this
release, but it is not used as often as a crossover band would abuse it.

The only real surprise on the album is the cover of
Metallica’s “Motorbreath”, which is only shocking because I’ve never seen
another band cover it. There is nothing particularly unique about it, aside
from the fact that the vocalist tries to destroy his voice as much as possible,
likely to differentiate it from the original. It doesn’t reach the heights that
Metallica did, but it’s still a great song, so it is a welcome finish to the
EP. Overall, “Phantom Time” is a pretty impressive release for the sheer number
of riffs delivered. It probably won’t blow you away unless you’re a huge thrash
fan, but if you are, it is well worth hearing.